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Dukes' Club #5
Duke Ever After
A Duke With A Scandalous Secret:
The Duke of Aston has always been the talk of the ton. Wild, passionate, and eccentric, women fall at his feet and gentlemen won't dare to meet him on the dueling ground. But the duke has a secret. A secret that could destroy his family. While the world sees him as a prince of the realm, he knows that in truth, he’s worthless. So, when Lady Rosamund enters his life demanding he teach her the artful ways of seduction, he's happy to oblige until he realizes she is the best woman he has ever known and therefore a woman he can never have.
A Lady Who Won’t Be Intimidated:
Lady Rosamund, only sibling of the Duke of Blackburn, is lonely. Raised in the remote glens of the Western Highlands, Rosamund has lived a sheltered life where only books and long walks have relieved her isolation. When she meets the Duke of Aston near her home, a man as delicious as the heroes she's read about, the passion that sparks between them in undeniable. Adventurous spirit that the duke is, Rosamund knows he’s the man for her. But as she grows closer to the duke, opening her heart to him, his own heart closes.
Can she teach this tortured duke that he is worthy of love or will his past drive them apart forever?
The Duke of Aston has always been the talk of the ton. Wild, passionate, and eccentric, women fall at his feet and gentlemen won't dare to meet him on the dueling ground. But the duke has a secret. A secret that could destroy his family. While the world sees him as a prince of the realm, he knows that in truth, he’s worthless. So, when Lady Rosamund enters his life demanding he teach her the artful ways of seduction, he's happy to oblige until he realizes she is the best woman he has ever known and therefore a woman he can never have.
A Lady Who Won’t Be Intimidated:
Lady Rosamund, only sibling of the Duke of Blackburn, is lonely. Raised in the remote glens of the Western Highlands, Rosamund has lived a sheltered life where only books and long walks have relieved her isolation. When she meets the Duke of Aston near her home, a man as delicious as the heroes she's read about, the passion that sparks between them in undeniable. Adventurous spirit that the duke is, Rosamund knows he’s the man for her. But as she grows closer to the duke, opening her heart to him, his own heart closes.
Can she teach this tortured duke that he is worthy of love or will his past drive them apart forever?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2016
289 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 26, 2017
I have enjoyed all the books in Eva Devon’s Duke’s Club series and DUKE EVER AFTER is no exception. Her stories are always entertaining, emotional, romantic and sensual.
The handsome, scandalous, fun loving Duke of Aston was a loveable secondary character in the earlier books who seemed to have everything. Now we discover that behind this jovial mask is a man burdened with a family secret which he is determined to keep at all costs. His bon vivant air, a love for life, and a desire for all things mad-capped tend to keep people at bay and his secret secure. The only person who truly knows him is his illegitimate son, Tony.
Rosamund loves her Scottish home but, since the death of their profligate father, her brother, Duncan, has become a rigid, dour man…the epitome of everything that is proper. He is no longer the laughing, teasing brother she once knew and Rosamund is discontented with her lonely, unfulfilled life and craves adventure.
As she stared out at the towering bens that were a beautiful boundary she’d only escaped through books, she couldn’t help wishing she could step foot over them once. Just once.
I love how in all the books in this series, the hero and heroine’s first meeting has been unconventional and most memorable. No ballrooms or soirees for Ms Devon. No indeed. In fact, Derek and Rosamund meet while each is swimming naked in a Scottish loch.
She then grinned a most gamine grin, her lips, due to the cold, a striking red against her pale skin. “Lovely day for a swim!”
And with that, she struck off, her feet leaving a froth of water in her wake.
Aston gaped as she swam rapidly away.
Rosamund is kind, good humoured but also obstinate and headstrong which makes her the perfect match for Derek. I love how she refuses to be intimidated by him and isn’t afraid to pursue the man she wants. She is the only one to see through his carefully constructed façade and is determined to uncover the real Derek beneath.
She seemed to sense the cracks in his facade and she wasn’t content to just look at them. Oh no. She wanted to know him. And to know him, she’d have to pry at those cracks and break through to the man he was underneath.
Derek has always distanced himself from everyone since childhood, but he finds he has feelings for Rosamund and is totally at sea when it comes to dealing with them. His genuine fear is that, once she knows his secret, she will see him as unworthy of her. I understood Derek’s fears given the nature of the secret he has carried all these years and the way his father succeeded in destroying Derek’s sense of self-worth. However, I was frustrated by his constant refusal to confide in Rosamund but this was tempered by her heart-warming words when he finally reveals the truth.
“From the moment I saw you in the loch, I knew you were the man for me. Not the duke. Not the privileged, titled, legitimate son of some powerful peer. You were the man I wanted. The man who saw into my soul and I saw yours.”
A tear slipped from Derek’s eye. With a groan, he pulled himself into a sitting position. “Then you’ll have me?”
She smiled. A smile so wide and true it almost hurt. “Today. Tomorrow. Every day. Until we are old and wrinkled.”
Derek’s determination to protect his mother’s memory and his overwhelming love for his son, Tony, reveals what an honourable and caring man he is.
I adore Tony with his boyish charm and such a wise head on young shoulders. I enjoyed seeing the rapport between him and Rosamund, who regards him as a younger, cheeky brother. I like how Tony sees his father as a great duke and a great man but isn’t afraid to stand up to Derek if the occasion arises.
Duncan, Rosamund’s brother, and fellow members of the Duke’s Club cause some problems for Derek and Rosamund before everything is sorted out so they can marry, and the Epilogue promises them a long and happy ever after.
It is worth pointing out that Duncan and Imogen’s story ( Wish Upon a Duke ) runs concurrently with Derek and Rosamund’s.
MY VERDICT: A thoroughly entertaining romance which I can definitely recommend.
Duke’s Club series (click on the link for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1317...
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
The handsome, scandalous, fun loving Duke of Aston was a loveable secondary character in the earlier books who seemed to have everything. Now we discover that behind this jovial mask is a man burdened with a family secret which he is determined to keep at all costs. His bon vivant air, a love for life, and a desire for all things mad-capped tend to keep people at bay and his secret secure. The only person who truly knows him is his illegitimate son, Tony.
Rosamund loves her Scottish home but, since the death of their profligate father, her brother, Duncan, has become a rigid, dour man…the epitome of everything that is proper. He is no longer the laughing, teasing brother she once knew and Rosamund is discontented with her lonely, unfulfilled life and craves adventure.
As she stared out at the towering bens that were a beautiful boundary she’d only escaped through books, she couldn’t help wishing she could step foot over them once. Just once.
I love how in all the books in this series, the hero and heroine’s first meeting has been unconventional and most memorable. No ballrooms or soirees for Ms Devon. No indeed. In fact, Derek and Rosamund meet while each is swimming naked in a Scottish loch.
She then grinned a most gamine grin, her lips, due to the cold, a striking red against her pale skin. “Lovely day for a swim!”
And with that, she struck off, her feet leaving a froth of water in her wake.
Aston gaped as she swam rapidly away.
Rosamund is kind, good humoured but also obstinate and headstrong which makes her the perfect match for Derek. I love how she refuses to be intimidated by him and isn’t afraid to pursue the man she wants. She is the only one to see through his carefully constructed façade and is determined to uncover the real Derek beneath.
She seemed to sense the cracks in his facade and she wasn’t content to just look at them. Oh no. She wanted to know him. And to know him, she’d have to pry at those cracks and break through to the man he was underneath.
Derek has always distanced himself from everyone since childhood, but he finds he has feelings for Rosamund and is totally at sea when it comes to dealing with them. His genuine fear is that, once she knows his secret, she will see him as unworthy of her. I understood Derek’s fears given the nature of the secret he has carried all these years and the way his father succeeded in destroying Derek’s sense of self-worth. However, I was frustrated by his constant refusal to confide in Rosamund but this was tempered by her heart-warming words when he finally reveals the truth.
“From the moment I saw you in the loch, I knew you were the man for me. Not the duke. Not the privileged, titled, legitimate son of some powerful peer. You were the man I wanted. The man who saw into my soul and I saw yours.”
A tear slipped from Derek’s eye. With a groan, he pulled himself into a sitting position. “Then you’ll have me?”
She smiled. A smile so wide and true it almost hurt. “Today. Tomorrow. Every day. Until we are old and wrinkled.”
Derek’s determination to protect his mother’s memory and his overwhelming love for his son, Tony, reveals what an honourable and caring man he is.
I adore Tony with his boyish charm and such a wise head on young shoulders. I enjoyed seeing the rapport between him and Rosamund, who regards him as a younger, cheeky brother. I like how Tony sees his father as a great duke and a great man but isn’t afraid to stand up to Derek if the occasion arises.
Duncan, Rosamund’s brother, and fellow members of the Duke’s Club cause some problems for Derek and Rosamund before everything is sorted out so they can marry, and the Epilogue promises them a long and happy ever after.
It is worth pointing out that Duncan and Imogen’s story ( Wish Upon a Duke ) runs concurrently with Derek and Rosamund’s.
MY VERDICT: A thoroughly entertaining romance which I can definitely recommend.
Duke’s Club series (click on the link for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1317...
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
October 20, 2019
This is the story of the Duke of Ashton, who always jokes around, but feels he can never have a "normal" life due to the secret of his birth. His father, the Duke, had not been his biological father, so Ashton was a bastard. Rosamund was Scottish & the sister of Blackburn, from Wish Upon a Duke. The love stories of Blackburn & Rosamund are concurrent. Rosamund was lonely, living in her brother's joyless house. When these two meet, it is truly a magical love at first sight. Ashton fights it throughout most of the book, so the HEA is sweeter when it finally happens. I also love Tony, Ashton's bastard son, wise beyond his years, who loves his father fiercely & immediately loves Rosamund. I absolutely loved this book!
January 28, 2020
Exceptional
Another wonderful story. Tales from far and wide by this great author. Again I can't get enough. I highly recommend
Another wonderful story. Tales from far and wide by this great author. Again I can't get enough. I highly recommend
March 9, 2018
Did not enjoy the Duke of Astons story and Lady Rosmund, sister of the Duke of Darkwell.. Something was missing. Astons son Tony was a delight, hope he gets his own romance.
August 24, 2017
OF ALL THE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES....THIS WAS THE ONE THAT I COULD HONESTLY SAY I ENJOYED WITHOUT CRINGING OR FEELING BEREFT AT THE END.
OUR HERO is the eccentric Duke of Aston and frankly, when he was first introduced....I thought he was an older man...probably in his forties. And he has a son, so yea...my thoughts strayed. Anyway, his character proved more interesting than the other dukes so I had to read his story. A man used to debauchery, pirating and all sorts of wicked sins, he certainly never expected to fall in love. Is he truly evil? No. Honorable? To a fault, despite his oddity. When he encounters a siren swimming in the cold waters of Scotland, he finds himself beholden to the red-headed lass only to discover that she's the sister of the Duke of Blackburn. That means she's NOT FOR THE LIKES OF HIM. But, what's a man to do when she pursues him and when he finally gives in, only to propose (like all of Devon's Dukes...they always propose out of guilt or duty) thus, the heroine flees to Egypt and he's forced to chase her down with her brother in tow and yes, she's pregnant with his babe. There is no way in hell he's going to sire another bastard. With the chance he's got now, he's going to give his unborn babe a legitimate name and home. If the woman will have him. It was fun seeing the Duke of Aston, man who declared he will never fall in love, it was absurd, to be flustered by a woman.
OUR HEROINE is the independent sister of the Duke of Blackburn, and she wants the Duke of Aston. Of course, it didn't started out that way and their chance encounter at the beach left her quite intrigued and immensely attracted to the man. She propositions him to spend Christmas together, only to end up spending it with his son. To her delight, they became fast friends seeing as how they are of similar age. When she finally snares the duke in her embrace, and later finds out she's enceinte...she tells him and when he proposes marriage out of obligation...she flees England. Why does she do it, you ask? Because she was hurt by his words, her pride and heart suffering the brunt of his callousness.
OVERALL, the troupe was quite similar to Devon's other installation to this series but what makes this different is that the HERO wasn't as annoyingly stubborn and daft as the rest. He may have denied his feelings but it was only a fleeting moment before he manned up and chased after her. This was a much more satisfying read than the rest, although it still didn't have fireworks and etc.
OUR HERO is the eccentric Duke of Aston and frankly, when he was first introduced....I thought he was an older man...probably in his forties. And he has a son, so yea...my thoughts strayed. Anyway, his character proved more interesting than the other dukes so I had to read his story. A man used to debauchery, pirating and all sorts of wicked sins, he certainly never expected to fall in love. Is he truly evil? No. Honorable? To a fault, despite his oddity. When he encounters a siren swimming in the cold waters of Scotland, he finds himself beholden to the red-headed lass only to discover that she's the sister of the Duke of Blackburn. That means she's NOT FOR THE LIKES OF HIM. But, what's a man to do when she pursues him and when he finally gives in, only to propose (like all of Devon's Dukes...they always propose out of guilt or duty) thus, the heroine flees to Egypt and he's forced to chase her down with her brother in tow and yes, she's pregnant with his babe. There is no way in hell he's going to sire another bastard. With the chance he's got now, he's going to give his unborn babe a legitimate name and home. If the woman will have him. It was fun seeing the Duke of Aston, man who declared he will never fall in love, it was absurd, to be flustered by a woman.
OUR HEROINE is the independent sister of the Duke of Blackburn, and she wants the Duke of Aston. Of course, it didn't started out that way and their chance encounter at the beach left her quite intrigued and immensely attracted to the man. She propositions him to spend Christmas together, only to end up spending it with his son. To her delight, they became fast friends seeing as how they are of similar age. When she finally snares the duke in her embrace, and later finds out she's enceinte...she tells him and when he proposes marriage out of obligation...she flees England. Why does she do it, you ask? Because she was hurt by his words, her pride and heart suffering the brunt of his callousness.
OVERALL, the troupe was quite similar to Devon's other installation to this series but what makes this different is that the HERO wasn't as annoyingly stubborn and daft as the rest. He may have denied his feelings but it was only a fleeting moment before he manned up and chased after her. This was a much more satisfying read than the rest, although it still didn't have fireworks and etc.
April 19, 2019
Duke Ever After is the fifth book of nine in the Duke’s Club series. Prologue describes Derek’s family life when he’s but two days old just after his mother has died in childbirth and his father is hating the baby because it’s not his biological son. The story is set both in Scotland and London. Epilogue is set in Venice. This story runs concurrently with Wish Upon a Duke.
This was a much anticipated story considering the naughty, cheeky and charming Hero, the Duke of Aston, from previous stories but, alas, it fell surprisingly short in passion. After a solid start the story lost its way and became mundane. The story was stifled by too many explanations. It would’ve been nice to see the playful Duke of Aston’s romance soar with more freedom.
The Duke’s Club had been formed years ago so that the few members would have someone of equal rank to commiserate with and not be puffed up with sunshine and flattery. As a Duke, people insist on fawning. And well, the only one who dares to treat a duke as an equal is another duke.
Once Upon a Duke: 4 stars: Duke of Darkwell; Ryder & Kathryn
Dreaming of the Duke: 2 stars: Duke of Hunt; Jack & Cordelia
Wish Upon a Duke: 4+ stars: Duke of Blackburn; Duncan & Imogen
All About the Duke: 3 stars: Duke of Roth; Nicholas & Allegra
Duke Ever After: 3 stars: Duke of Aston; Derek & Rosamund
Derek Matthew Lawrence Penworthy, the Duke of Aston, has always been the talk of the Ton for his wild and eccentric ways. I have liked his character in all previous books as he is incredibly appealing, in a bombastic sort of way. Derek is hiding a painful secret. One that could destroy his family. He is a true bastard. Aston has featured in all previous books and promised to be a charismatic character in his own historical romance. Unfortunately, I was expecting way more charisma and passion. His story just didn’t deliver its potential.
Lady Rosamund, the only sibling to the Duke of Blackburn, has lived a sheltered life where only books and long walks have relieved her isolation.
Derek and Rosamund have an unconventional first meeting which is great. They meet while swimming naked in a Scottish Loch. Promising fun. However the strain of constantly denying romantic feelings because of feelings of unworthiness took its toll on the pace of their story and dragged it down.
Spelling mistakes and omitted words in sentences once again, as in previous books, are throughout this book too. Argh! For example, using “there” instead of “their”, and misspelling “from” as “form”.
I recommend this book for an average read. I recommend this series.
This was a much anticipated story considering the naughty, cheeky and charming Hero, the Duke of Aston, from previous stories but, alas, it fell surprisingly short in passion. After a solid start the story lost its way and became mundane. The story was stifled by too many explanations. It would’ve been nice to see the playful Duke of Aston’s romance soar with more freedom.
The Duke’s Club had been formed years ago so that the few members would have someone of equal rank to commiserate with and not be puffed up with sunshine and flattery. As a Duke, people insist on fawning. And well, the only one who dares to treat a duke as an equal is another duke.
Once Upon a Duke: 4 stars: Duke of Darkwell; Ryder & Kathryn
Dreaming of the Duke: 2 stars: Duke of Hunt; Jack & Cordelia
Wish Upon a Duke: 4+ stars: Duke of Blackburn; Duncan & Imogen
All About the Duke: 3 stars: Duke of Roth; Nicholas & Allegra
Duke Ever After: 3 stars: Duke of Aston; Derek & Rosamund
Derek Matthew Lawrence Penworthy, the Duke of Aston, has always been the talk of the Ton for his wild and eccentric ways. I have liked his character in all previous books as he is incredibly appealing, in a bombastic sort of way. Derek is hiding a painful secret. One that could destroy his family. He is a true bastard. Aston has featured in all previous books and promised to be a charismatic character in his own historical romance. Unfortunately, I was expecting way more charisma and passion. His story just didn’t deliver its potential.
Lady Rosamund, the only sibling to the Duke of Blackburn, has lived a sheltered life where only books and long walks have relieved her isolation.
Derek and Rosamund have an unconventional first meeting which is great. They meet while swimming naked in a Scottish Loch. Promising fun. However the strain of constantly denying romantic feelings because of feelings of unworthiness took its toll on the pace of their story and dragged it down.
Spelling mistakes and omitted words in sentences once again, as in previous books, are throughout this book too. Argh! For example, using “there” instead of “their”, and misspelling “from” as “form”.
I recommend this book for an average read. I recommend this series.
November 23, 2019
Loving this series
I love this series. There are few grammar errors in the books, but you can still enjoy the series. The H/H meet in a loch when they are both swimming. She wants to have affair with him as she has no intentions to marry as she is wealthy in her own right. But their one night of passion led to her becoming pregnant.
I love this series. There are few grammar errors in the books, but you can still enjoy the series. The H/H meet in a loch when they are both swimming. She wants to have affair with him as she has no intentions to marry as she is wealthy in her own right. But their one night of passion led to her becoming pregnant.
October 16, 2022
Derek and Ros
Excellent characters and book. Well written from the beginning to the end and you will enjoy every minute of it. The rules Club us a good series by a wonderful author.. Would highly recommend , only wish there were extended epilogues. 😊
Excellent characters and book. Well written from the beginning to the end and you will enjoy every minute of it. The rules Club us a good series by a wonderful author.. Would highly recommend , only wish there were extended epilogues. 😊
March 23, 2023
I really liked Aston as a duke. This is his backstory and I was super excited for it. It didn't play out exactly as good as i had hoped but that is more on me than the author. I friggin loved Tony, that precious thing. The ending was decent, a nice change up for sure. This has been a fun series.
October 17, 2025
Rosamund was a very strong-willed young lady who knew what she wanted.
Derek, the Duke of Aston, knew what he was and how he should never really want an innocent like Rosamund, with his past.
The heart wants what the heart wants and this story was full of laughs, tears, angst, and happiness.
Derek, the Duke of Aston, knew what he was and how he should never really want an innocent like Rosamund, with his past.
The heart wants what the heart wants and this story was full of laughs, tears, angst, and happiness.
July 24, 2017
Aww!
I've loved Aston since I met him in book 1 and I've loved the snippets of his affair with Ros!
I waited anxiously for their story and it was worth the wait!
I've loved Aston since I met him in book 1 and I've loved the snippets of his affair with Ros!
I waited anxiously for their story and it was worth the wait!
September 2, 2017
Awesome
I am so loving this series. Only two more books to go. Can't wait to see Charles and his story. Happy Reading. Get your copy today.😀😀😀😀
I am so loving this series. Only two more books to go. Can't wait to see Charles and his story. Happy Reading. Get your copy today.😀😀😀😀
May 14, 2018
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
November 13, 2020
Exciting love story
I can't get enough of your books. You make me laugh and cry sometimes too. Derek and Ros were meant to be.
I can't get enough of your books. You make me laugh and cry sometimes too. Derek and Ros were meant to be.
March 25, 2021
Very enjoyable
September 21, 2021
errors
So many typos and weird words. It was really distracting from what could have been a decent story. Yikes. Can’t someone fix the typos?
So many typos and weird words. It was really distracting from what could have been a decent story. Yikes. Can’t someone fix the typos?
January 25, 2023
A wonderful page turning romance. I enjoyed the story between Derek and Rosamund, their passion coming off the pages.
November 14, 2024
Excellent.
A well written novel with a great storyline and likeable characters.
Fits in well with the previous novels.
Well worth the read IMHO.
A well written novel with a great storyline and likeable characters.
Fits in well with the previous novels.
Well worth the read IMHO.
April 20, 2016
Duke Ever After is the 5th book in the 'Duke's Club' series by Eva Devon. It's the first book in this series that I have read and I really enjoyed it. It can easily be read as a stand alone story, but if you are like me, when you have read this one, if you haven't read the others, you will want to.
This story focuses on Derek, the Duke of Aston. On the surface he is a devil may care, happy rogue, the life and soul of the party. He's gorgeous, and he knows it, and many a woman swoons over him, and many mothers want their daughters to marry him. Beneath the surface he's not that man at all, he has a terrible secret to hide, one that makes him feel unworthy of any woman's love, and the idea of marriage is preposterous to him. He's got a reputation for being a lady's man, but he will never allow himself to get serious about any woman. Or so he believes, until he meets Lady Rosamund.
Lady Rosamund is the Duke of Blackburn's sister. Their parents are dead and when he took on the role of Duke he became a more staid man, gone was the easy going man he was, in it's place somebody with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He worried for Rosamund and I think that worrying, plus living in a remote place in Scotland has made her feel trapped and lonely. She is desperate from excitement. Excitement which she finds when she comes across Derek swimming naked in a loch, just as she is!
After their first meeting, and falling in lust with the man as soon as she saw him in all his glory, glory which he was not ashamed to flaunt, Rosamund decides that she wants him to take her virginity, or at least share some passionate kisses with him. Derek has never taken a woman's virginity and he has no plans to start with her, a vow made even more strongly when he finds out who her brother is. He literally runs a mile when he finds out.
The story continues with Rosamund pursuing Derek, and him finding it harder and harder to fight his own attraction to her. He wants her so much, but the secret he has makes him fight all the more to stay away from her. Will she get her man, will his secret come out, will Rosamund decide that what she finds out is too hard to bare? Can Derek give his heart when he knows she could crush it?
This was a really lovely story with some fun light hearted moments to make you laugh, some passionate moments to have you reaching for a fan, and some beautiful emotional moments that may just have you reaching for your tissues.
Sometimes in the book I found a little problem with continuity, such as sub plot relationship going from zero to marriage in the space of a paragraph. I am not sure if their story had been told in a previous book in the series, and of course if it has then I guess that was where you read about their romance. Knowing about it would make it more understandable then about their marriage. So in that one instance I would disagree with my opening statement, that the book can be read as a stand alone one. For the most part it can, but just not in that instance. It certainly doesn't distract from the enjoyment I had from the book, and I still definitely recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This story focuses on Derek, the Duke of Aston. On the surface he is a devil may care, happy rogue, the life and soul of the party. He's gorgeous, and he knows it, and many a woman swoons over him, and many mothers want their daughters to marry him. Beneath the surface he's not that man at all, he has a terrible secret to hide, one that makes him feel unworthy of any woman's love, and the idea of marriage is preposterous to him. He's got a reputation for being a lady's man, but he will never allow himself to get serious about any woman. Or so he believes, until he meets Lady Rosamund.
Lady Rosamund is the Duke of Blackburn's sister. Their parents are dead and when he took on the role of Duke he became a more staid man, gone was the easy going man he was, in it's place somebody with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He worried for Rosamund and I think that worrying, plus living in a remote place in Scotland has made her feel trapped and lonely. She is desperate from excitement. Excitement which she finds when she comes across Derek swimming naked in a loch, just as she is!
After their first meeting, and falling in lust with the man as soon as she saw him in all his glory, glory which he was not ashamed to flaunt, Rosamund decides that she wants him to take her virginity, or at least share some passionate kisses with him. Derek has never taken a woman's virginity and he has no plans to start with her, a vow made even more strongly when he finds out who her brother is. He literally runs a mile when he finds out.
The story continues with Rosamund pursuing Derek, and him finding it harder and harder to fight his own attraction to her. He wants her so much, but the secret he has makes him fight all the more to stay away from her. Will she get her man, will his secret come out, will Rosamund decide that what she finds out is too hard to bare? Can Derek give his heart when he knows she could crush it?
This was a really lovely story with some fun light hearted moments to make you laugh, some passionate moments to have you reaching for a fan, and some beautiful emotional moments that may just have you reaching for your tissues.
Sometimes in the book I found a little problem with continuity, such as sub plot relationship going from zero to marriage in the space of a paragraph. I am not sure if their story had been told in a previous book in the series, and of course if it has then I guess that was where you read about their romance. Knowing about it would make it more understandable then about their marriage. So in that one instance I would disagree with my opening statement, that the book can be read as a stand alone one. For the most part it can, but just not in that instance. It certainly doesn't distract from the enjoyment I had from the book, and I still definitely recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2016
I have read several of Ms. Eva Devon duke’s club novel stories and have enjoyed reading all of them. Ms. Devon just has an intriguing way of telling a story especially a regency story. Yes it might be a novella and I usually say I don’t like novellas due to the length but there is a lot to like in this story. It’s different and unique with wonderfully complex characters plus can easily stand alone from the others in the duke’s club series. It wouldn’t hurt to read the rest of them if you wanted to know more about the other characters portrayed in the book which I know I plan on getting the rest of them since the minor characters intrigue me as well. Even the cover of the book is so tantalizing that I couldn’t wait to read this book either.
Derek Penworthy the Duke of Aston meets an enchanting woman The Lady Rosamund swimming in a loch in Scotland. Derek enjoyed being a rake and causing trouble generally being the talk of the ton. Men avoid him when it comes to dueling him and all women want to be with him especially Rosamund. She has an idea to trap and be with him. Unfortunately Derek also holds a secret that could possibly destroy him and everything he holds dear. As Rosamund’s simple attraction becomes so much more Derek pulls away and Rosamund wonders why.
I really liked Derek he was interesting, deep and pretty tortured due to his circumstances and broken family relationships. Sure he’s a duke and I usually think that he just has everything handed to him since he’s nobility which is so untrue because money sure isn’t everything it can’t buy the most important things. He also seems to have some great friends which I do think he should have relied on more because he just seemed so insecure and not trustworthy of just about anyone except his son Tony. I think mostly I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him everything was going to be all right. Rosamund on the other hand really annoyed me at first. I didn’t like the fact that all she wanted to do was trap and get Derek to sleep with her. Of course as the book progressed I did eventually warm up to her but I just thought it was kind of ironic that when she finally gets what she wants in the end it doesn’t turn out exactly how she wanted it to. I think the one character that really made the book for me was Tony Derek’s son. I think I kept reading because of him. He just really made me laugh and I do hope eventually Ms. Devon will write his story too. That’s why I rated the book four stars, can recommend it for any regency lover and will definitely get more books from Ms. Devon! I received this story in exchange for an honest review.
Derek Penworthy the Duke of Aston meets an enchanting woman The Lady Rosamund swimming in a loch in Scotland. Derek enjoyed being a rake and causing trouble generally being the talk of the ton. Men avoid him when it comes to dueling him and all women want to be with him especially Rosamund. She has an idea to trap and be with him. Unfortunately Derek also holds a secret that could possibly destroy him and everything he holds dear. As Rosamund’s simple attraction becomes so much more Derek pulls away and Rosamund wonders why.
I really liked Derek he was interesting, deep and pretty tortured due to his circumstances and broken family relationships. Sure he’s a duke and I usually think that he just has everything handed to him since he’s nobility which is so untrue because money sure isn’t everything it can’t buy the most important things. He also seems to have some great friends which I do think he should have relied on more because he just seemed so insecure and not trustworthy of just about anyone except his son Tony. I think mostly I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him everything was going to be all right. Rosamund on the other hand really annoyed me at first. I didn’t like the fact that all she wanted to do was trap and get Derek to sleep with her. Of course as the book progressed I did eventually warm up to her but I just thought it was kind of ironic that when she finally gets what she wants in the end it doesn’t turn out exactly how she wanted it to. I think the one character that really made the book for me was Tony Derek’s son. I think I kept reading because of him. He just really made me laugh and I do hope eventually Ms. Devon will write his story too. That’s why I rated the book four stars, can recommend it for any regency lover and will definitely get more books from Ms. Devon! I received this story in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2016
Finally, the fun loving, irreverent Duke of Aston’s story. Every one of The Dukes’ Club stories has been amazing and this one is no different. Derek the Duke of Aston is a hiding a secret that could change the way the Ton treats him. So he has adopted a false persona that keeps people from getting too close, except for his bastard son Tony, who he loves with all his heart and will protect with his life.
Lady Rosamund is an independent Highland Lass who goes where she wants and does whatever pleases her. After all there is not much to do in the Highlands of Scotland when there are no other young ladies to socialize with. Her brother the Duke of Blackburn is the hero in Book 3 of the Dukes’ Club, but he has yet to meet the love of his life so he is still grumpy and not a lot of fun to be around.
One day in the middle of winter Rosamund is swimming in the freezing loch and lo and behold she swims right up to a naked man. Of course the naked man is the Duke of Aston who is in Scotland visiting friends. There is an immediate electrifying stop the world from spinning attraction. Derek is a rogue who cannot fail to take advantage of the situation and follows her as she swims away. Rosamund is sassy and unafraid and she is intrigued by him also. Until she tell him that she is the Duke of Blackburn’s sister. Derek immediately turns around to get as far away from her as he can. He doesn’t need that kind of trouble. But of course Rosamund won’t leave well enough alone and pursues him.
This is a very well written, witty, enthralling love story that will make you wish it will never end.
I have always loved Eva’s writing style. She is a wonderful storyteller who knows how to keep you captivated till the end. Her characters are intelligent, stubborn, funny and a joy to read.
This is the 5th book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I recommend that if you have not read the first four you should definitely buy them. They are worth the price!!! I cannot wait for Tony’s, Charles’s and Mr. Basingstoke’s stories.
Received Complimentary Copy for an honest review.
Lady Rosamund is an independent Highland Lass who goes where she wants and does whatever pleases her. After all there is not much to do in the Highlands of Scotland when there are no other young ladies to socialize with. Her brother the Duke of Blackburn is the hero in Book 3 of the Dukes’ Club, but he has yet to meet the love of his life so he is still grumpy and not a lot of fun to be around.
One day in the middle of winter Rosamund is swimming in the freezing loch and lo and behold she swims right up to a naked man. Of course the naked man is the Duke of Aston who is in Scotland visiting friends. There is an immediate electrifying stop the world from spinning attraction. Derek is a rogue who cannot fail to take advantage of the situation and follows her as she swims away. Rosamund is sassy and unafraid and she is intrigued by him also. Until she tell him that she is the Duke of Blackburn’s sister. Derek immediately turns around to get as far away from her as he can. He doesn’t need that kind of trouble. But of course Rosamund won’t leave well enough alone and pursues him.
This is a very well written, witty, enthralling love story that will make you wish it will never end.
I have always loved Eva’s writing style. She is a wonderful storyteller who knows how to keep you captivated till the end. Her characters are intelligent, stubborn, funny and a joy to read.
This is the 5th book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I recommend that if you have not read the first four you should definitely buy them. They are worth the price!!! I cannot wait for Tony’s, Charles’s and Mr. Basingstoke’s stories.
Received Complimentary Copy for an honest review.
April 19, 2016
I received this book from the author for my honest review . What a wonderful story !! Even though I haven't read the previous books in this series I felt that it wasn't necessary , it was easily read , but I will be reading it in order, that said,
I was captivated by Derek Duke of Aston and Lady Rosamund just having them together the pages burned with their desire of wanting to be together and ever stubborn Aston feeling unworthy of her tried his best to keep away. My favourite scene was when they first met each other in December swimming in a loch both naked when he realized she was a Dukes sister, he ran as fast as his legs could take him without his clothes on! Lady Rosamund knew they were destined to be together and she tried to have her way with him. Being an heiress she could afford a quiet scandal. Knowing he would not be able stay away from her he decided to say farewell and sail away and what a farewell he gave her! ( if you know what I mean ) Eva Devon is a fabulous writer, her characters are witty and charming never a dull moment! I can't wait to read Tony's Charles and Mr. Basingstoke's story!!!!
I was captivated by Derek Duke of Aston and Lady Rosamund just having them together the pages burned with their desire of wanting to be together and ever stubborn Aston feeling unworthy of her tried his best to keep away. My favourite scene was when they first met each other in December swimming in a loch both naked when he realized she was a Dukes sister, he ran as fast as his legs could take him without his clothes on! Lady Rosamund knew they were destined to be together and she tried to have her way with him. Being an heiress she could afford a quiet scandal. Knowing he would not be able stay away from her he decided to say farewell and sail away and what a farewell he gave her! ( if you know what I mean ) Eva Devon is a fabulous writer, her characters are witty and charming never a dull moment! I can't wait to read Tony's Charles and Mr. Basingstoke's story!!!!
April 21, 2016
Duke Ever After by Eva Devon is # 5 in the "Dukes' Club" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Fast paced, interesting read, with fun loving but serious characters, who are complicated, compelling and emotional powerful. The storyline is unique, well written, full of surprises, secrets and twists and turns. Can this tortured Duke finally find his HEA? Or will he refuse to open his heart to love and happiness? Can this young Lady bring him to his knees, learn his secrets and help him heal? Or will they lose all?
The H/H are a great match, allbeit, oil and vinegar, opposite do attract, but can their two strong personalities find love, or is lust driving them toward each other and toward heartbreak.
Once again, Ms. Devon has written a masterful tale, that is compelling, passionate, energetic and a must read. Another hit in the "Dukes' Club" series. I can't wait to read the next installment. Another enjoyable and satisfying read from a talented author.
Received for my honest review.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
The H/H are a great match, allbeit, oil and vinegar, opposite do attract, but can their two strong personalities find love, or is lust driving them toward each other and toward heartbreak.
Once again, Ms. Devon has written a masterful tale, that is compelling, passionate, energetic and a must read. Another hit in the "Dukes' Club" series. I can't wait to read the next installment. Another enjoyable and satisfying read from a talented author.
Received for my honest review.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
July 20, 2016
I had to know Derek’s story (I read book 6 and I got curious, so I dived right onto book 5). I like the author’s writing style because she has a way of lacing her books with humor while still keeping the whole regal feeling.
Both characters were out of the normal, they had their own ideas and special ways to present themselves to the world. Derek used an irresponsible rake air around himself in order to keep everyone at bay and prevent them of learning his secret. Which was the main reason of staying away of the quirky yet captivating Lady Rosamund. I enjoy reading about Rosamund and her simple view of the world. She was honest to a fault and had a wanderlust that only Derek could fill.
A huge bonus waste relationship between Derek and Tony. I loved the fact that he had a really close bond with his son (which is refreshing in historical books were we normally have distant family relationships). And the Dukes and side characters were quite splendid too.
Both characters were out of the normal, they had their own ideas and special ways to present themselves to the world. Derek used an irresponsible rake air around himself in order to keep everyone at bay and prevent them of learning his secret. Which was the main reason of staying away of the quirky yet captivating Lady Rosamund. I enjoy reading about Rosamund and her simple view of the world. She was honest to a fault and had a wanderlust that only Derek could fill.
A huge bonus waste relationship between Derek and Tony. I loved the fact that he had a really close bond with his son (which is refreshing in historical books were we normally have distant family relationships). And the Dukes and side characters were quite splendid too.
April 21, 2016
Another amazing book by Eva Devon. She is one of my absolute fave go to authors! This book is in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I fell in love with the Duke of Aston. The Dukes Club is a great series and once I start one I am unable to put it down. Eva makes you feel like you are actually there in the book and I love that. I am anxiously waiting for her next book! Eva has a way of drawing you in and captivating you through out the whole story . I feel as if her charcuterie come to life. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review
April 22, 2016
I received this book from the author for my honest review I loved this book and want to get the others. I love how Rosamund didn't care what the ton thought of her and went after him. She even didn't lie to a duchess when confronted about sleeping with Derek. I think Derek was more ashamed of being a bastard then she was of him being one. I also loved how his son wanted her to be his step mother and how he figured out his father was just like him.
April 18, 2016
Ah, Rosamund and Derek (I have to laugh in my head when I read Derek's name, it seems too modern), they are so alike, I think, in personality - both stubborn, both in love, both adamant in their thinking. I love this story, especially how it unfolds to the climatic end. Who doesn't want to be rescued like Rosamund.
I adore the whole series, it is wonderful.
5*
I adore the whole series, it is wonderful.
5*
April 26, 2016
BIASED. I AM IN LOVE WITH THE DUKE
I loved this book.
It has humor, and characters, and a wonderful storyline. It is one of a series, and perhaps the fact that I have read the others makes it better. It certainly made it irresistible!
I loved this book.
It has humor, and characters, and a wonderful storyline. It is one of a series, and perhaps the fact that I have read the others makes it better. It certainly made it irresistible!
June 26, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review --which I always give!
June 29, 2016
This was a very interesting story and I would have given it a higher rating except it was very badly edited and proof read. Typos and story inconsistencies distracted from my enjoyment of the book.
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